Cullen criticises M50 toll plaza

Minister for Transport Martin Cullen has strongly criticised the operation of the M50 West-Link toll plaza, saying it was "a very bad service to the customer".

The Minister, who is drafting legislation to allow for barrier-free tolling on the usually-congested M50 ring-road, said he was "not prepared to put up with the plaza" in its current state.

He was commenting following the disclosure that West-Link's owners National Toll Roads (NTR) had sought an extension of the penalty points system to incorporate motorists who crossed the bridge without paying.

The company met Mr Cullen to discuss the proposal last May, and the Minister said yesterday he had an open mind on it.

He stressed, however, that legislation allowing for barrier-free tolling would not be introduced until talks had been completed between NTR and the National Roads Authority (NRA).

Such tolling would involve the installation of a new electronic "clocking" system whereby motorists would ring up a charge each time they used the plaza. A number of legislative changes are being sought to ease administration and aid in the detection of non-paying motorists.

One proposal being examined by the Department of Transport is to standardise the size and shape of number plates under a review of the National Car Test.

Michael Egan, NRA head of corporate affairs, said NTR was concerned that if the barriers were raised a sizeable number of motorists could drive through without paying. "We have some sympathy with them, and have brought these issues to the attention of the department."

Noting that talks on buying out West-Link had been "parked" for now, Mr Egan said there would be gradual moves towards pre-payment at the West-Link rather than a "big bang" approach.

He further admitted that barrier-free tolling would not be operational ahead of the opening of Dublin Port Tunnel - something which is due to see an extra 2,200 heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) filtering on to the M50 each day.

Labour Party leader Pat Rabbitte has accused the Department of Transport and the NRA of "disastrous" planning on the issue, saying motorists on the ring-road will be subjected to a "HGV avalanche" when the port tunnel opens in mid-2006.

In a statement yesterday NTR said it had been involved for some time in discussions with the department and the NRA on the implementation of barrier-free, open-road tolling at West-Link.

"A critical part of the successful implementation of open-road tolling is a supporting legislative system to enable the barriers to be raised whilst toll collection, in line with the company's contractual obligations with the State, is protected.

"National Toll Roads has presented very detailed proposals in line with international best practice in tolling as to how the system can be successfully implemented and operated at the West-Link on a phased basis."

The company, which may seek compensation for the cost of installing the new electronic tolling, said it would continue to engage with the NRA.

Mr Cullen said: "I want to go to barrier-free tolling, and I want the situation resolved. I believe people will pay for a reasonable service if it works well. That could not be said of what happens on the M50 at present."

Meanwhile, the NRA said it was advancing its plans for an €810 million upgrading of the M50 to include a third lane in each direction for most of the route. A contract for upgrading of interchanges on the route is due to be awarded early next year.

The completion of the upgrade depends on the assistance of NTR, which has responsibility for 3.5 km of the ring-road, between the M4 and N3 interchanges.